South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and Brazil’s Vice Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, Luiz De Alcantara Rua, have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to deepen cooperation in the agricultural sector.
The signing took place in Somerset West, Western Cape, on the sidelines of the G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting.
Steenhuisen described the agreement as more than a formal partnership. “By combining our respective strengths, we can unlock new opportunities, advance technological innovation, and build a more resilient agricultural sector that benefits all our citizens,” he said.
He called it “a testament to our shared vision for a food-secure future.”
The non-binding agreement sets a framework for joint work in sustainable agriculture and food security.
It will include exchanges of information and expertise, technical tours, training programmes, and joint conferences.
The partners will share best practices in sustainable farming, livestock systems, and quality assurance to safeguard both consumer safety and product integrity.
The MoI also provides for strategic trade facilitation through trade missions and exhibitions to create new market opportunities for farm products from both countries.
Bilateral agricultural trade between South Africa and Brazil has grown strongly, rising from R5.4 billion in 2020 to R9.7 billion in 2024 – an 80.5% increase.
South Africa’s agricultural exports to Brazil rose by 92.8%, from R142.6 million in 2020 to R274.9 million in 2024.
Imports from Brazil increased by 80.2%, from R5.2 billion to R9.5 billion over the same period.
South Africa’s top exports to Brazil in 2024, valued at R253.7 million, included vegetable seeds for sowing (32.3%), liqueurs and cordials (22.7%), wine of fresh grapes (16%), and dried grapes (6.3%).
The MoI will run for five years, automatically renewing for further five-year periods unless ended by either side.
A Joint Working Group will determine priorities, develop a detailed work plan, and oversee monitoring and evaluation.
Through the agreement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to use shared expertise and resources to strengthen global agriculture, while supporting sustainable livelihoods and resilient food systems at home.
